""I think it's really important to think about this as just another way that we are dealing with death," said Green-Wood President Meera Joshi. "If you look throughout history, there's been so many different ways between cultures and over time on how people memorialize death. In some senses, this is the original way. It just has the benefit of technology so it can happen faster.""
"The process is fairly similar to run-of-the-mill composting. Bodies are sealed in specialized "pods" on a bed of hay, straw, and alfalfa. The pods - designed to regulate moisture and airflow - rock gently back and forth to help speed decomposition. After just 40 days, the contents of the pod break down into roughly 160 pounds of nutrient-dense soil, which will be used to support Green-Wood's many plants and trees."
Green-Wood Cemetery will offer natural organic reduction, also known as human composting, starting next year. The process seals bodies in specialized pods placed on hay, straw, and alfalfa; pods regulate moisture and airflow and rock gently to accelerate decomposition. After roughly 40 days the remains break down into about 160 pounds of nutrient-dense soil to nourish cemetery plants and trees. Green-Wood will partner with German terramation company Meine Erde and aims to be the first New York cemetery to provide this option following state legalization in 2023. Human composting reduces fuel use and air pollution from cremation and avoids embalming chemicals and nondecomposable caskets.
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